The Kortz Center Heist introduces GTA Online’s first major heist expansion in years, and preparation plays a major role in determining how smoothly the finale unfolds. Before launching the museum robbery, players must complete a variety of setup missions that unlock infiltration methods, weapon loadouts, escape vehicles, and other advantages.
Here’s a complete breakdown of every Prep Work mission, what each one unlocks, and which setups are worth prioritizing.
How Many Prep Work Missions Are There?
After finishing the Scope Out mission and surveying the Kortz Center, the planning board unlocks five categories of preparation missions.
In total, there are 17 Prep Work missions:
| Category | Missions |
|---|---|
| Infiltration Gear | Staff Key Card, Tactical Equipment, Alpha Mail Disguise, Hazmat Suit |
| Unmarked Weapons | Street Loadout, Security Loadout, Military Loadout |
| Getaway Vehicle | Manchez, Armored Caracara, Annihilator Stealth |
| Equipment | Access Code, Hacking Device |
| Optional Prep | Guard Shipments, Guard Routes, Glass Cutter, Power Drills, EMP Charges |
To begin the finale, you’ll need to complete:
- At least one Infiltration Gear mission
- At least one Unmarked Weapons mission
- At least one Getaway Vehicle mission
- Both Equipment missions
The Optional Prep missions can be skipped, but they make the heist noticeably easier.
Infiltration Gear Missions
Staff Key Card
The Staff Key Card is one of the strongest options for players planning a stealth approach.
During this mission, you’ll:
- Eliminate enemies at a hacker hideout in Vespucci.
- Steal a keycard cloning device from a Terrorbyte.
- Visit Mission Row Police Station.
- Clone a museum staff key card.
- Deliver the equipment back to the mansion.
Completing the setup unlocks access to staff-only entrances inside the Kortz Center during the finale.
Tactical Equipment
This setup provides specialized combat gear for crews expecting heavy firefights.
It’s a solid choice if you intend to complete the heist aggressively instead of remaining undetected.
Alpha Mail Disguise
This mission unlocks an alternate infiltration route.
Disguised as Alpha Mail employees, your crew attracts less suspicion during the opening stages of the robbery, making early stealth sections easier to navigate.
Hazmat Suit
Collecting Hazmat suits opens additional entry routes through technical areas of the museum.
These suits also provide another option for crews experimenting with different approaches.
Unmarked Weapons
Your chosen weapon package determines the firearms available during the heist.
Street Loadout
The quickest setup.
Players steal weapons from local gangs, making this a practical option for stealth-focused crews that expect minimal combat.
Security Loadout
A balanced arsenal that offers stronger equipment without requiring as much preparation as the top-tier option.
This is a reliable choice for most players.
Military Loadout
The strongest weapon package available.
Although obtaining it takes longer, the improved firepower makes extended shootouts during the finale much easier to handle.
Getaway Vehicles
Your escape vehicle can significantly affect the final stage of the heist.
Manchez
The Manchez motorcycle is the fastest setup to complete.
Players infiltrate a police garage, steal the bike, and deliver it to the mansion for use during the finale.
Armored Caracara
The Armored Caracara offers excellent protection during the escape.
Its durability makes it particularly useful for crews expecting prolonged battles with law enforcement.
Annihilator Stealth
The stealth helicopter is the most effective extraction option.
It allows crews to leave the area quickly while reducing the risk of extended police pursuits.
Mandatory Equipment Missions
Access Code
This mission cannot be skipped.
The access codes are required to interact with the museum’s internal security systems during the heist.
Hacking Device
Another mandatory setup.
The hacking device is used to bypass electronic locks, disable surveillance systems, and access secure areas throughout the Kortz Center.
Optional Prep Missions
While none of these setups are required, each one provides a meaningful advantage during the finale.
Guard Shipments
Destroying security supply shipments reduces the quality of weapons carried by museum guards.
Guard Routes
This mission reveals patrol patterns, making stealth navigation much simpler.
Glass Cutter
Unlocks a specialized tool used to quietly open exhibit display cases containing valuable loot.
Power Drills
Power Drills allow crews to access safes and additional storage containers hidden throughout the museum.
EMP Charges
EMP Charges temporarily disable electronic security systems, creating more opportunities to move through the museum undetected.
Best Prep Work Choices
If your goal is the smoothest possible run, the following combination offers the greatest advantage:
| Category | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| Infiltration Gear | Staff Key Card or Alpha Mail Disguise |
| Weapons | Military Loadout |
| Escape Vehicle | Annihilator Stealth |
| Equipment | Access Code and Hacking Device |
| Optional Prep | Complete every optional mission |
This setup provides the greatest flexibility during the finale, simplifies infiltration, and increases the likelihood of completing the heist with the highest possible payout.
The Kortz Center Heist features one of the most detailed preparation systems in GTA Online. While it’s possible to skip many optional objectives, completing the extra setup missions makes both stealth and combat approaches considerably easier and is well worth the additional time for players chasing maximum rewards or Elite Challenge completions.
